Minkisi - Art and Belief in West and Central Africa

Desmond Bovey’s collection of rare masks and statues offers an insight into African tribal life. Minkisi (singular: nkisi) are statues, or more often containers such as bottles or shells, into which a spirit has been lured to take up residence. These figures bristling with nails are often perceived by other cultures to be aggressive. In reality the Minkisi’s primary function is to protect.